Legacy

120 Years in the Making

Through the years, Keeler has become one of the most renowned hardware brands in the United States. In 2013, we celebrated our 120th anniversary by reaching out to the West Michigan community, collecting stories about Keeler and sending the Keeler Traveling Lizard around the world.

Keeler Acquisition

JVA Associates purchased the company, making Keeler a privately held company for the first time since 1979. As a result of new ownership, Keeler has experienced huge growth by expanding their investments in technology and new product designs.

Kendall Scholarship

Keeler starts the Joe Withers endowment for Kendall College of Art and Design. Keeler has kept close ties with Kendall over the years, employing many Kendall Alumni as designers and modelers. The endowment has now grown over $139,000.

High Point Restoration

Keeler purchased and restored a historical landmark at 1006 North Main St. High Point, NC. The house dates to 1905 and was renovated to mirror its glory days. Throughout the years, many architectural features had been hidden. Renovators discovered old pocket doors made of crafted oak. The house still serves as a showroom for Keeler.

Largest Hardware Company

In 1981, Keeler became the largest manufacturer of hardware for North America’s furniture industry.”Keeler hardware is probably in every house in the country.” -Don Marsh, Director of Employee Relations.

New Ownership

For the first time, Keeler is no longer owned by the Keeler family. Miner S. ‘Mike’ Keeler sold the remaining part of the company for $75 million. Still acting as CEO, he remained heavily involved in Keeler.

La Grande Vitesse

Keeler created a 1/23 size model of the La Grande Vitesse, an iconic sculpture in Grand Rapids, and the Keeler family donated it to the city. It was created so that blind visitors could “see” the sculpture in its entirety.

Fire at Keeler

The American Box Board Company was a joint tenant with Keeler in a facility located downtown Grand Rapids. In 1975, a fire at the American Box Board Company caused an estimated loss of half a million dollars to the Keeler building and inventory.